What is the difference between Japanese and Chinese green tea?

Japanese and Chinese green teas both come from the same Camellia sinensis tea plant which is native to Asia.

Japanese green tea harvesters

The main difference is the way the leaves are processed. Chinese harvesters pan fry the leaves in a large wok.

Japanese green teas are steamed, dried naturally, and then rolled into various shapes until they are completely dry. This is an efficient method for preventing the oxidation of flavenoids and polyphenols that gives Japanese green tea its flavor and health-enhancing properties.